The complex realities of arranged marriages in African cultures

In African societies, the institution of marriage is as complex as possible. Since many cultures have long-standing traditions, norms, and procedures that govern the union between a man and a woman, the choice of a spouse is subject to specific controls and considerations that require the participation of the family and communities in the choice of spouses.

Arranged marriages are marriages in which families, often parents or elders, play a significant role in choosing or meeting potential spouses. This is different from forced marriages, in which individual consent is ignored.

Across the continent, the practice of arranged marriages as part of the cultural norm still exists. While many societies, both in Africa and on other continents, consider this practice unacceptable in the modern era, some others consider it appropriate, especially given that certain factors, such as divorce, have become a major threat to the institution of marriage.

The institution of marriage in the African context

Marriage in African societies is viewed not only as the union of a man and a woman to become husband and wife, but also as a social institution that encompasses broader aspects of community life. Marriage in Africa goes beyond a personal or romantic decision. This is often related to the collective interests of families and ethnic communities, which help preserve values, customs, and even traditions.

For example, the Igbo people of Nigeria have an “Iju Ese” (“family background check”) ritual to determine the history of a future spouse. Communities such as the Akan in Ghana and the Amhara in Ethiopia follow similar structured systems that ensure compatibility, clarity of origin, and cultural sustainability.

Arranged marriages in African societies: A revised version

The institution of marriage remains a vital pillar in African societies. Internal processes that lead to progress or conflict within families affect the social cohesion of communities. To preserve history and family lines, and to ensure shared values and compatibility, arranged marriages are often performed between families and, in some cases, between communities with historical ties that span several generations.

Although arranged marriages are still despised due to the misconception that they are associated with forced marriages, the differences between them are pronounced. While one of them does not allow disagreements (forced marriages), the other continues to evolve into a more progressive version, as parents introduce potential spouses to each other and encourage them to explore the relationship to determine compatibility.

4 Pros of Arranged Marriages

1. Family stability

At the top of the list of advantages of arranged marriages is the need to ensure family stability. Due to the growing number of divorces and domestic violence in families, families are beginning to look for alliances that promise not only the stability of the family hearth, but also the preservation of cultural and family values inherent in the family.

Using long-standing relationships based on shared values and socio-economic status, parents utilize this opportunity to provide their children with suitable options, as well as offer them all the necessary advice and support to resolve conflicts whenever they arise, to ensure their children have a more stable and healthy relationship.

2. Economic stability

Another argument in favor of arranged marriages is the guarantee of economic stability that comes from pooling financial resources. Families in strategic alliances often utilize mutually beneficial opportunities within their social circles, fostering relationships between their children to ensure the future and financial stability of both current and future generations.

Preservation of culture, traditions, and religion: Many families and communities adhere to long-standing values, traditions, and religious beliefs, which often shape the lifestyle of a family or community and their interactions with one another. To avoid disrupting social cohesion, marriages are often concluded between families that share the same values or are closely linked to a similar belief system. This is a common practice in religious families, where Muslim spouses are chosen for children from Muslim families.

3. Mutual progress

Arranged marriages may not begin with passionate feelings, unlike the typical romantic relationships. In some cases, couples who are considering arranged marriage options find that many of their values and ideals regarding marriage, finances, and starting a family coincide. This knowledge encourages them to remain faithful to the relationship. Over time, their union not only strengthens but also, with the passage of years, they begin to love and appreciate each other.

4. Reducing the number of marriage breakups

As mentioned earlier, marriages in Africa, whether by personal choice or by arrangement, are not only between couples. Visit. A F R I N I K . C O M . For the full article. The communal nature of African societies suggests that the union is also an extension of the family, both basic and extended, as well as the community.

The number of divorces is significantly reduced, as each family member of both spouses provides support and helps resolve disputes that may arise when the couple cannot find common ground. These mediation actions help couples resolve their differences rather than end their relationship.

4 Cons of Arranged Marriages

1. Lack of personal choice

Despite the advantages of arranged marriages, there is a question of a lack of individual consent, especially if this is influenced by both families, who seem to be more focused on securing their economic interests to the detriment of their children. In some cases, the couples in question may comply with their parents’ requests out of a sense of duty and respect, but ultimately experience emotional resentment.

2. Incompatibility and abuse in marriage

Couples who are married by arrangement are at risk of abuse in marriage due to incompatibility that has been ignored to meet family interests. Love, intimacy, and emotional connection disappear as couples struggle with individual differences, values, and ideals.

As a result of such a breakup, many couples begin to face physical or emotional abuse, and in some cases, both from their partners. Eventually, despite the seemingly best efforts of family members, many of these marriages break up.

3. Hereditary family conflict

Arranged marriages can undergo significant changes in the event of conflicts between the families of both spouses. To protect family interests, couples may take sides, which in turn affects their relationship and negates any progress made in the union.

4. Limitations of social progress

Arranged marriages can be a stumbling block that prevents a person from advancing up the social ladder of progress. Since arranged marriages are associated with certain interests, especially if the parents initiate them, certain expectations are required of couples that may contradict their dreams and interests as a result of their need to conform.

Some acquaintances, relationships, or jobs become taboo in an attempt to protect the interests and concerns of family members from the couple’s progress.